FACTORS INFLUENCING POPULATION INCREASE IN KAMPALA

CASE STUDY OF KABALAGALA,

MAKINDYE DIVISION.

BY

NSAMBU GODFREY
}JAE/ 12467/ 61/ DU

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF

EDUCATION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A
BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH EDUCATION
OF KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER 2009
 DECLARATION

I Nsambu Godfrey, do hereby declare to the beat of my knowledge that this research report is
my original work and it has never been submitted to any University or any other Institution

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of higher learning for an award.

Signature .. 4 ......
NSAMBU GODFREY
,;).JI.. 0 1 ~. 9
Date ......................
 APPROVAL

I here by certify that this work has been done under my supervision and I have approved it
for submission to the University.

Signature ____~ - - - - - - - · · - · - · -

Date_ .. -~.{ _Q_ 1 /.f!_j_ ...... _.... _....... .

Supervisor

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 DEDICATION

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my parents Mr. Musoke Simon and Mrs.
Musoke Joyce who have supported me to persue a Bachelor of Arts with Education as my
future is now seen. And they have been able to stand on my side despite challenges faced.

I am also indebted to my supervisor Madam Taligola Debora who has given me support and
guidelines in writing this work. May the almighty God bless her?

I would also like to express my gratitude to my Sister, Nakawunde Sylivia, Nankya Lilian
and My Wife Nagawa Florence, my Beloved children Sandra and Eric. Last but not least Mr.
Wakiku Fred a course mate who has rendered support to me throughout the course. May this
work be rewarded?

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, my entire gratitude goes to the faculty of Education of Kampala International
University. Through my ability, I will be able to realize that my dreams come true because of
the support that facilitation I have received from the faculty of Education.

Secondly, I would like to thank the entire community of Kampala International University
particularly those who have contributed to my success in one way or another.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .............................................................................................................. .i
APPROVAL .................................................................................................................... .ii
DEDICATION ................................................................................................................ .iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................ iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................. v
LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ viii

CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Background of the study .............................................................................................. 1
1.1 Statement of the problem ............................................................................................. 3
1.2 Purpose of the study .................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Objectives of the study ................................................................................................ 4
1.4 Research questions ...................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Significance of the study .............................................................................................. 4
1. 6 Scope of the study ....................................................................................................... 5
1. 7 Definition of terms ...................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................. 7

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE .......................................................................... 7
2.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Over view of population in Uganda ............................................................................. 7
2.2 Theoretical framework of population growth ............................................................... 8
2.3 Factors influencing population ................................................................................... 10
2.4 Effects of population growth ...................................................................................... 11
2.5 Significancy/ value of high population growth ........................................................... 14

CHAPTER THREE ......................................................................................................... 16

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................... 16
3. 0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 16
3. 1 Research design ......................................................................................................... 16
3 .2 Area and population of the study ............................................................................... 16
3.3 Sample size and selection techniques ......................................................................... 16
3.4 Data collection instruments ........................................................................................ 16
3. 5 Types of data gathered................................................................. ............................. 17
3 .6 Procedure of data collection ....................................................................................... 17
3. 7 Data analysis ............................................................................................................. 17
3. 8 Limitations ................................................................................................................ 18

CHAPTERFOUR ........................................................................................................... 19
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION ....... 19
4. 0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 19
4 .1 Background characteristic of respondent which have a bearing on population increase
and effects ....................................................................................................................... 19

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4.2 Local population views on the factors which have led to population increase in
Kabalagala town .............................................................................................................. 26
4 .3. 1 An observation on the effects of population increase in Kabalagala town ................ 29
4 ..,,. , Effiects o f popu1at1on
. mcrease
. .m an observat10n . ........................................................ .,,..,?-
4.3.1 Respondents views on the effect ............................................................................. 32

CHAPTER FIVE ............................................................................................................. 33

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION ............... 33
5. 0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 33
5. 1 Summary of findings ................................................................................................. 33
5 .2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 34
5.3 Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 35

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 37

APPENDICES ................................................................................................................ 38
APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................. 38
Questionnaire for men ..................................................................................................... 3 8
Questionnaire for women ................................................................................................ 40
Questionnaire for students ............................................................................................... 43
A MAP SHOWING MAKINDYE "A" DIVISION, KAMP ALA DISTRICT ................. .45
A MAP OF UGANDA SHOWING DISTRICTS ............................................................. 46

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: 4.1.1 Gender of respondents .................................................................................. 19

Table 2: 4 .1. 3 Age of respondents ....................................................................................... 21
Table 3: 4.1.5 Marital status of respondents ......................................................................... 22
Table 4: 4.1. 7 Educational levels of the respondents ............................................................ 23
Tab le 5: 4. 1. 9 Occupational status of the respondents .......................................................... 24
Table 6: 4.1. iO Response on whether the government has accelerated population growth in
Kabalagala .......................................................................................................................... 25
Table 7: 4.2.1 factors for increased population .................................................................... 26

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: 1.1 showing population growth over time ............................................. 2

Figure 2: Age and sex pyramid for Kabalagala and its surroundings ........................ 20
Figure 3. Average age respondents ............................................................... 21
Figure 4: Graph showing marital status of respondents ....................................... 22
Figure 5: Graphical representation of the educational level of respondents ................ 23

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Background of the study.

Uganda population has been growing steadily at an increasing rate since independence. This
is because when independence came raised aspirations and hopes for the removal of poverty
and for raising the standard of living of people and thus ensuring for them a better quality of
life. Thus, a new era of planning for development dawned in Uganda and terms like
"economic planning, planning for development" emerged.

The increasing population world over has been as a result of a fall in death rates arising out
of the implementation if public health programme and successful campaigns against
communicable diseases have also been responsible for accelerating the rate of population
growth since birth rates have continued to be to remain an affected.

It's also worth noting that while the average death rate in developing countries like Uganda
of the rate of 0.8% during the period 1900-1950, it rose by 0.2 percent during the period
1950-1970.

Also worth noting is that the average death rate in developing countries was 32 per thousands
population per year during 1900, 50, it was 17 for the period 1960-1970.

Therefore the rate of population growth in Uganda during independence was expectations.

To day Uganda is believed to be the most populated of the three East African countries

Uganda has an average population density of 52 person per sq.km. However, the population
density of Uganda is ill-balanced in terms of distribution through out the country, with some
regions appearing too densely populated, while others are sparsely populated (Byamugisha
C. Bweebare 2000)
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In Uganda dense population distribution are found:-
Around lake shores of Victoria (Buganda and Busoga)
In Kigezi highlands
Around Rwenzori mountain
Around Mt. Elgon slopes

The moderately populated areas include:-

The south Western Uganda highlands (Bushenyi-Mbarara)
West Nile region
Some parts of Buganda and Busoga

The sparsely populated area of Uganda include:-

Areas around lakes George and Edward in S.W.Uganda
Areas N .E of L.Albert
Ankole Masaka dry corridor and
N.E Uganda (Karamojo) areas. See map on page 53
In the parts of the world for instance lake the rate of population growth durig 1931-41 was
14.22 per cent where as it was 21.64 duringl961-71.
Figure 1.1 showing population growth over time

8000 , . . . . , ~ - - ~ - - - - - - - - - , ~
7000 --+-r~- - - - - -- - - - --
6000
5000
4000 / Iii! Series 1 I
3000
2000 - ·-
1000
0
d
<(

Source: http:www.global change.umich.edulgobal change/current/ lecturers/ human polff

human pof. html .

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Therefore these facts out figures clearly explain why it not surprising that attention has been
drawn to the rapidly increasing population growth and by the size and structure of the
population are recognized as important factors in development planning. It has also been
recognized that the rapidly growing population adversely affects economic and social
progress as well as efforts at improving the levels of living.

Its upon these facts that alternative plans for cubing the rate of population growth have been
adopted for example specific population and policies and family planning programmes.

1.1 Statement of the problem

As already seen in the background, the population of Uganda has been growing steadily
especially in the urban center mostly Kampala. Therefore this become of this that the
population of Kabalagala and its surrounding areas has been increasing of an increasing
population growth rate.

This has been attributed to a number of factors which include among others,
The location of the University (Kampala International University)

Improved health facilities leading to decreased mortality rates over birth rate,
Lack of family planning implementation, unemployment, early marriages and so forth.

However, increased population growth in an area leads to problem of over population where
by there emerges an imbalance between population and available resources among others in
spite of the fact that increased population growth leads to a high market, expansion of the
labors force. Therefore, it becomes of this that the researcher chooses to investigate deeper
into the causes and repercussions of increased population growth rate in Kabalagala, and its
surrounding areas ofKibuli, Kansanga, parts ofMuyenga and Nsambya.

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1.2 Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors causing an increase in the population of
Kabalagala town.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The objectives of this research study were as follows;

• To find out if the establishment of the University has influenced population growth
• To find out the factors causing increased population growth in Kabalagala town.
• To find out whether the available facilities have led to increased population growth
• To establish the effects of increased population growth
• To establish the demographic factors or characteristics ofKabalagala town

1.4 Research questions

The study was guided by the following questions
• Which factors have led to increased population growth in your area?
• How has the increasing population growth rates affected your area?
• Do you think the government has also accelerated the growth of population in your
area?
• Which measures have been adopted to control the increasing population growth rates
in your area?

1.5 Significance of the study

This research study was carried out significantly to benefit the following groups of people.

To the central government and local government of Uganda. This is because the study
describes the describes the demographic characteristics of the area investigated. This
characteristic can be based on to plan for the population in the area.

To the Ministry of labor and statistics. The research was aimed to help the Ministry of labour
and statistics to plan for the jobs needed by an increasing population.

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Lastly, the research was carried out to benefit both in secondary schools, colleges, tertiary
institutions such as universities.

1.6 Scope of the study

The research was carried out in Kabalagala town, Makindye division of Kampala district to
investigate factors causing population increase in Kampala. The research was carried out
between February and June 2009

1. 7 Definition of terms
Demography; demography is the study of human population.

Population; in sociology population is the collection of people living or of particular species

living in a given geographic area or space.

Population growth; population growth is change in population over time. it can also be
quantified as the individuals in a population per unit time.

Over population; this is a situation when the number of people exceeds the carrymg
capacity of its ecological niche. In common parlance, the term usually refers to the
relationship between the human population and its environment.

Fertility; the rate at which women give birth.

Mortality; this refers to the total number of death per a thousand of the population.

Population pyramid; this shows a total picture of a population by age, distribution, sex
among others

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Population structure; population structure implies the age and sex structure of the
population and population characteristics include such characteristics or marital status,
literary and educational levels e.t.c.

Migration; this refers to the mobility of people from one place to another with an intention
of improving their spheres of lives

Per capita income; annual income per head of house holds.

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 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 Introduction
This chapter contains reviewed or related literature of population growth in Uganda.

2.1 Over view of population in Uganda

According to Byamigisha C. Bweebare (2000), Uganda is believed to be the most densely
populated of the three East Africa countries. Uganda has an average population density of 52
persons per sq km. however this population is not evenly distributed.

Literature reviewed indicated that one important area of study covers the component of
population change or the factors responsible for change in the size of population. It most be
understood that the population of any place at a specific time is a function of three types of
events, births, deaths and migration.

The population of Uganda in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 25,827,000 which
placed it as a number 40 population among the 193 nations of the world. In that year
approximately 2% of the population was over 65 years of age, with another 51 % of the
population under 15 years of age.
There ere 99 males for every 100 females in the country in 2003.
According to the UN, the annual population growth from 2000-2005 is 3.4%, with the
projected population for the year 20015 at 39,335,000.
The population densely in 2002 averaged 102 per sq km (265 sq me). However density
varied from 260 per sq km (673 per sq mi) in Kabale to 14 per sq km (36 per sq mi) in the
dry Karamojo plains. The Northern, Eastern and Western regions densely populated.
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2.2 Theoretical framework of population growth
Grovan Botero (1533-1617) . Botero wrote on the causes of the growth of cities. In his book,
he discussed the rural-urban differ, he noted that mortality was more in the city areas. He
based much of his studing on over crowdness.

John Graunt (1620-1674). He was the fiest person with a scientific approach on the study of
mortality, fertility and migration. In his study Graunt Joked at the grave stones in the grave
yards, he noted;
In London for every 12 burials there were 11 births
In Britain as a whole it was 52 deaths for every 63 births
He observed that 6000 people come to London every year.
For every wedding 4 children are produced
At birth a number of male infants exceed the number of female infants

Thomas Malthus (1766-1834). This was an English man, an Economist and above all a
revland. He wrote an essay entilttled "an essay on the principles pf population." And in his
essay he noted 2 basic roles
The passion between sexes is important and will always remain
Food is necessary in the survival of man.

From the above he therefore stated that the power of the population is greater than the power
of the earth, to produce substance (food) for man. And that when the population is
unchecked, it increases geometrically well as substance (food) arithmetically.

Time will come when the population would exceed food production but he believed that its
possible to check the population growth. And in general there are 2 ways in checking the
population.
Positive
Preventive means

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The positive means include, wars, anger, epidermics. He indicated that because of population
growth, these would prevail due to the fact that the population will be taking resources.

The preventative means includes all positive means of birth control including contraceptions,
abortion, abstinence e.t.c. but Malthus was a revland therefore abortion was not as a
preventive mean. Contraception, he only advocated for the traditional methods of
contraception which at times are not very effective. Which means that the only preventative
means methods believed in was abstinence. He indicated that people should postpone
marriage until they are capable of managing the family.

Malthus consequences for population growth. Malthus indicates that the natural
consequences of population is poverty and he developed a Malthus cycle of poverty. The
cycle indicates that if population is un checked then poverty will prevail.

The cycle Malthus

Early marriage_ _ _--11►,..population ~

healthier children ~

food resources
-healthier children

\
early marriages
increased food production - healthier children
-population growth

-Surplus l a ~
Manufactures hire ..._____poverty -unemployment
Cheap labour -under employment

Than the region along the lake shore of Lake Victoria

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Uganda lived in urban areas in 2004. the capital city, Kampala had a population of I, 154,000
in that year. Other major cities were Jinja 60,999, Mbarara 49,070 and Mbale 53,634.
According to the United Nations, the urban population growth rate for 2000-2005was 5.8%.

However, demographical states of 18, 2008 indicated that the population growth rate for
Uganda population was 3.603%
According to the CIA fail book, the average annual percentage change in the population
resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of birth ones deaths and the balance of migration entering
and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in
determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its
people for infrastructure (such as schools, hospitals, housings, roads, resources e.g food,
water, electricity) and jobs. The rapid growing population can be seen as seen as threatening
by neighboring countries too.

2.3 Factors influencing population

According to the USA.ID-Uganda financial year 2009 Uganda has one of the highest total
fertiiity rates in sub Saharan Africa, nearly un change for 40 years at seven births per woman.
Increased availability and better quality reproductive health services and urgently to reduce
population growth decrease high infant and material mortality rates, and sustain
achievements in the fight against IDV/AIDS and other infection diseases.

According to Byamugisha C. Bweebare (1994) argues that the population structure of

Uganda is characterized by the following.

In fact mortality is relatively high, although today there is shift complain emphasized by the
government to immunizes the children under one year of age per I 00 live birth during the
same year.

There is a high rate of fertility among the women,. This is a result of a number of factors. For
instance, early marriages, absence of birth control measures, and low life expectancy of birth.

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There is a high rate of death decline and amidst high birth rate, the country expects to have a
problem of population explosion in the near decades.

Sex ratio is high in parents of women and this mean that the meet production ratio is too high
and this indicates potentials for population growth in near future.

The cause of increasing population growth in Uganda, according to Byebare (1994), have
been summarized here under; early marriage, pregnancies tendencies, unemployment, lack of
family planning, low level of education, poor government policy among others.

2.4 Effects of population growth

Population growth has both positives and negative effects to any society, country or
economy. According to Jhingan (1998), the consequences of population growth m
development have attention of countries (economies) ever since Adam Smith wrote his
wealth of nations. Smith wrote, the annual lehens of every nation is the fund which originally
supply it with all the necessities of life. However it was Malthus and Richardo who created
an claim about the effects of population on the country/ society.

Jhingan postulated that population growth adversely affects economic growth m the
following ways.

First, faster growing population makes the choice more scare between higher consumption
now and the investment needed to bring higher consumption in the future. However,
development depends up on investment. Therefore in Uganda just like other developing
countries the resources available for investment are limited. Therefore, rapid population
growth retards investment needed for higher future consumption (Jhingan, 1998)

Second, rapid population growth tend to over use the country's natural resources. This is
particularly the case where the majority of people are dependent on primary production for
livelihood. With rapidly increasing population, agricultural holdings become smaller and un

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renumerative to cultivate. There is no possibility of increasing farm production through the
use of new land. Consequently, many households continue to live in poverty. In fact rapid
population growth leads to the over use of the land thereby jeo pardising the welfare of future
generation

Also with rapidly increasing population, it becomes difficult to manage the adjustments that
accompany economic and social change. Urbanization in less developed countries (LDCs)
such as Uganda creates such problems as housing, powers, water, transport among others.
Besides, growing population threatens permanent environmental damage through
urbanization in some less developed countries.

Also Jhingan postulates that a rapidly increasing population planning the economy into mass
unemployment and under employment. As population increases the proportion of workers to
total population rises. However in the absence of complementary resources, its not possible
to expand jobs. The result is that with increasing population, there is an increase in labor
force and hence unemployment and under employment income. A rapid increasing
population reduces incomes, saving and investment. Thus capital formation is retarded and
job opportunities are reduced, thereby increasing of unemployment.

More is rapidly growing population necessitate large investment in social infrastructure and
diverts resources from directly productive assets. Due to scarcity of resources, it is nt
possible to provide educational, health, medical transport and housing facilities to the entire
population. There is over-crowding every where, as a result the quality of these services goes
down.

Another negative effect of population growth is manifested in population and per capita
income. The effect of population growth on per capita income is unfavorable. The growth of
population tends to retard per capita income in three ways:-
It increases pressure of population on land
It leads to a rise in costs of consumption goods because of the scarcity of the
corporate factors to increase their supplies.

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 It leads to a decline in the accumulation of capital because with increase in family
members expenses increase. (Jhingan, 1998)

The increasing population growth also affects the standard of living since one of the
important determinants of the standard of living is per capita income; the factors affecting per
capita income in relation to population growth equally apply to the standard of living.

A rapidly increasing population to an increased demand for food products, clothes, houses,
among others. Nut their supplies can not be increased in the short run due to the law of
cooperate factors, consequently, their costs and prices rise which raise the cost of living of
the masses (Jhingan, 1998)

However, according to Byamugisha C. Bweebare (2000), the following problems have been
experienced by the population along the lake shores of Victoria (Kampala in general and
Kabalagala and the surrounding areas in particular)

Poor housing facilities in the city of Kampala. The majority of people being low income
earners live in slums such as Mulago, Kivulu, Katanga, Biyinya zone Kabalagala,
Kikubamutwe in Kabalagala, Nabutiti Kansanga among others.
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Slums have provided ground for criminals who involve in robberies, killing, raping, drug
abuse, alcoholism among others. For example several killings have been experienced in
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Kabalagala.

Prostitution has also become severe in Kabalagala (Kataba zone and Kikubamutwe) in
particular and in other parts of Kampala such as Kisenyi. This has been attributed to
increased population.
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There is general moral decay among the youth. The little ones no longer respect their elders
and this has of recent become a concern to the existing central government and parents
themselves.

There have been over use of the existing infrastructures, for example, health units, schools,
reclamation of wetlands among others. This has resulted into social services becoming very
expensive.

Lastly, urban violence is on increase because of many redundant youth in town like Kampala.

Conclusion
So Uganda at large experiences a high increase of population growth because it's a third
world country that lacks policies and resources to control the population which grows at a
rapid rate annually.

2.5 Significancy/ value of high population growth

In a country having high rate of population growth labour becomes a comparatively cheap
factor of production. This can make labor intensive. The increasing numbers can also be
trained for increasing the stick formation which can be utilized for economic development.
Skilled labour can be substituted to a large extent for capital, the supply which is poor in
under developed countries like Uganda.

In a community like Kabalagala and the minority where population is increasing continuous
increasing number of young men in the labor force. This is very favourable for the efficient
utilization of resources on the other e.g for changing peoples' attitudes on the other hand.

Population growth leads to higher society mobility by shifting labour gradually from
agriculture to industry or from one type of industry to another. It's a powerful force to bring
about a change in the traditional methods and to transform the economy to much more
advanced and productive stages.

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In some cased population growth is brought about by migrations. However, migrants bring
write them capital and skills which are helpful for development. If resources are unexploited
and external economies are possible, growth of members leads to tremendous economic
explanation through increasing returns

Lastly, in many countries agricultural development has been possible because rapid
population growth. Therefore agriculture development is both a cause and effect of
population growth.

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 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
This chapter involve the methods that were used to collect, analyze and interpret data,
interviews, direct observation and use of questionnaires, tables were all used respectively.

3.1 Research design

This study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative techniques to investigate, interpret
and analyze data using a cross sectional survey.

3.2 Area and population of the study

This research was carried out in Kabalagala in particular and Kampala city in general. The
population of Kabalagala is comprised of students of Kampala International University,
causal labours among others, the population also happen to grow at much faster rate hence
justifying the need to investigate more deep into the demographic characteristics.

3.3 Sample size and selection techniques

Among the research individuals were randomly selected from the population of Kabalagala
town. A total number of eighty (80) people were interviewed. Also a total number of forty
(40) people were given questionnaires and these selected using a selective sampling
technique.

3.4 Data collection instruments

A number of instruments were used, these include:-
Three semi-structured questionnaires were designed, that is questionnaire 1 for men,
questionnaire 1 for women and questionnaire 3 for students. According phone was also used

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to record voices of respondent during direct interviews. Others include papers and reams for
recording of data gathered. Observation was also carried out

3.5 Types of data gathered

Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected through
observation, interview and use of questionnaires.

Secondary data on the other hand was gathered through reviewing of the related literature
about population, demography as advanced by different scholars.

3.6 Procedure of data collection

The permission to do research was sought from the University (faculty of education). The
researcher went around the area under investigation interviewing the dwellers.

Questionnaires were given to the selected individuals. The force type of questionnaire was
designed for men, second type fro women and third type of questionnaire was designed for
students I different schools located in Kabalagala and its vicinity.

The (people) individuals given questionnaires were given enough time to them depending n
their convenience, but a least maximum time of two weeks was given.

3. 7 Data analysis
Data was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, methods for analyzing data were as here
under,
For the factors underlying increased population growth, the response were tabulated after
which a line graph was drawn. Also the same was done with the social economic
characteristics of the respondents interviewed and those given questionnaires.

An essay was also written to expand the factors underlying increased population growth as
well as the, effects, and the benefits of increased population growth

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3.8 Limitations
During the research study I encountered a number of problems and these include;
Financial constraints to facilitate movements, typing and printing.
Also faced a problem of false information and a problem of language barrier

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 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND

DISCUSSION

4.0 Introduction
This chapter examines the empirical data gathered, processed and analyzed in the previous
chapters in order to examine the factors that account for the increasing population growth in
Kabalagala and the surrounding in particular and Kampala in general.

The discussion of there findings has been organized under socio-economic factors of the
sample.

4.1 Background characteristic of respondent which have a bearing on population

increase and effects

Table 1: 4.1.1 Gender of respondents

Sex Frequency Percentage (%)
Males 40 33
Females 80 67
Total 120 100
Source: primary data 2009

From the above table, the majority of respondents were females with the highest frequency of
80 and a few men were interviewed with a low frequency of 40. This is because most women
in Kabalagala are house wives thus they always keep around their homes

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Figure 2: 4.1.2 Age and sex pyramid for Kabalagala and its surroundings (generalized)

male female

45-60+
40-44
35-34
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 0 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Population (1000)
Source: primary data (2009)

From the pyramid above the population of Kabalagala has a narrow based type of pyramid.
This is because it's dominated by a large number people below 15 years. This indicates that
the level of dependency is high and also that the area has a small labour force since most of
its population is below 16 years. It also indicates that there's low life expectance as revealed
by a small population between 45-60+ years.

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Table 2: 4.1.3 Age of respondents
Age group Frequency Percentage
Below 24 40 33.3
25-34 40 33.3
35-44 30 25
45-60 10 8.3
Total 120 99.9
Source: primary data 2009

From the table above, most of the people that were interviewed were between the ages of 24-
34 with a frequency of 40 followed by those between 35-44 with a frequency of 30.

Figure 3: 4.1.4 Average age of respondents

Graph showing average age of respondents

tD Frequency
f!l Percentage

Below 25-34 35-44 45-60

24
Age

Source: Primary data 2009

From the table and the graph above, most of the respondents were between the ages 25-34
and those below 24 years with total percent of 67%. This indicates that majority of the
residents of Kabalagala town one youth who tend to migrate from rural areas to the city
seeking for jobs, and those graduates and the undergraduates of Kampala International
University hence leading to open-urban unemployment and other effects of over population

21
Table 3: 4.1.5 Marital status of respondents
Marital status Frequency Percentage (%)
Married 80 67
Single 30 25
Divorced 07 6
Widow 03 2.5
Widower 00 00
Separated 00 00
Total 120 100
Source: primary data 2009

Figure 4: 4.1.6 Graph showing the marital status of respondents

~ 100 - , - . - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
G>
"tJ
::,

....1n 60 !
...
0
G)
40 - . (%) I
.c 20
E
::,
z

marital status

Source: primary data 2009

The table and graph above, indicate that majority of respondents were married with the
highest frequency of 80 and percentage (67%) respectiveiy. This was followed by the single
with a frequency of30 and a percentage of (25%). This reveals that the possibility of having
children is high since majority of the population are married. Also the high number of single
individuals reveals that number of people in Kabalagala has increased because of the large
number of students residing in the area.

22
Table 4: 4.1.7 Educational levels of the respondents
Educational level Frequency Percentage (%)
Not educated 30 25
Primary level 20 17
Secondary level 50 42
Diploma 10 8
Graduate 10 8
Total 120 100
Source: primary data 2009

From the above, most of the respondents were secondary dropout with the highest percentage
of 50 and they tend to flock urban centers where they end up marrying and producing
children. This was followed by the uneducated with a high percentage and frequency of
about 25% and 30 respectively. People ignorant of the both central measures hence
accounting for increasing population growth rates.

Figure 5: 4.1.8 Graphical representation of the educational level of respondents.

60
50
~
I
1
f
40 1:• ! li1 Frequency
30 ••
20 .... .: 1"1
10 : ♦ .. M
If
il- i
i JHm
1B Percentage (%)

0 IHHI
0'
0°'
df ~"{,
-tI?)-
,0
~
~
~'l>
.J>
~

?:f> 'l> !l,<:\ <;)~ {!>~

0
~(lj
~~ ~~
~o ~ c,O
c_!)

Source: primary data 2009

23
Table 5: 4.1.9 Occupational status of the respondents
Occupation Frequency Percentage (%)
Civil servants 15 12.5
Business man 40 33.3
Shop attendant 25 20.8
Not employed 40 33.3
Total 120 99.9
Source: primary data 2009

From the table above, most of the interviewed respondents were employed with a highest
frequency pf about (80) and a percentage of 66.6%. The data in the table above was
quantified and represented in bar graph below.

-
ti)

C
a,
"'C
50 ~ - - - - - - - - -
40 - + - - - -..........- - ----...-~
rn Frequency
C
30 - - - --. 4
0 20 +-------1~
a.
ti) 10 rn Percentage(%)
...
a, 0 --J-l>""""""""-,---U.W._,....l,M,M'""-,_...~...

occupation of
respondents

Source: primary data 2009

24
Table 6: 4.1.10 Response on whether the government has accelerated population growth
in Kabalagala

Response frequency Percentage (%)

Not sure 80 66.6
No 15 12.5
Yes 25 20.8
Total 120 99.9
Source: primary data 2009

The table above indicates the response of interviewees on whether the government has any
case accelerated population growth in Kabalagala and the surrounding areas. Majority of the
respondents were not sure on reference by a frequency of 80 and the highest percentage of
66.6. This was followed by those who thinks the government has some has contributed to
increasing population growth. These represented by a frequency of 25 and a percentage of
20.8%. Few respondents no and these and represented by a lowest frequency of 15 and
lowest percentage of 12.5% respectively.

J!l 100
C
ID
"C
C 80
0
Q.
Cl) 60 ID frequency
...
-
.D
ID

...
0
ID
40
20
g Percentage (%)

E 0
:::,
z Not sure No Yes
percentage

Source: primary data 2009

25
4.2 Local population views on the factors which have led to population increase in
Kabalagala town.

Table 7: 4.2.1 factors for increased population

Factors Frequency Percentage (%)
Early marriage 40 33.3
Level of education 10 8.3
Establishment 10 8.3
Religion 05 4.2
Lack of family planning 05 4.2
Rural-urban migration 2.5 17
Declining death rate 25 20.8
Others 05 4.2
Total 120 99.8
Source: primary data 2009

The table above represents the analysis of the factors that account for the increasing
population growth in Kabalagala and the surrounding areas. Early marriages were pointed as
the leading factor with the highest frequency of about 40 followed by the declining death
rates and urban migration. The information in the table above in further represented in the
line graph below. This indicates that the population of Kabalagala town has steadily
increased because of poor family planning, establishment of the University (Kampala
International University), reduction I mortality rates ones increasing death rates among
others.

26
 80
70
60
50
40
= Series2
---+- Series1
30
20
10
0

Source: primary data 2009

The line graph above portrays the factors behind increasing population growth in Kabalagala
and the surrounding areas. The graph its clearly shown that early marriage it the most
influential followed by rural-urban migration and the declining death rates. The factors
influencing population growth within Kabalagala and its vicinity as further discussed as
below.

Declining death rates. These are mainly as a result of improved medical services. Infant
mortality rates have reduced due to improved immunization of diseases like measles, tetanus,
polio and others. As a result these improvement, the infant mortality rates have been steadily
reducing.

Also the high infant mortality rates after re-enforce the need for frequent births especially to
ensure the survival of at least a close relationship between child survival and high birthrates.

Also the value attached to children by parents has accelerated population growth in
Kabalagala and its vicinity. In many parts of Uganda parents look at children as a source of

27
social and economic benefits. For example source of labour, bide wealth in case of girls as
people to look after them in old age. This has resulted into many fallowing large families
hence accelerating population growth.

Polygamy is yet another outstanding factor that has led to population growth in the area of
Kabalagala and the surroundings. Polygamy refers to the act of marrying more than one wife
and it results into large families for example from the research carried out among the women
indicated that 40% of the men had other wives.

Also high fertility rates have influenced the growing population in Kabalagala. The fertility
rates in Uganda have not changed much since independence. The total fertility rate was 7.0
and its currently estimated between 7.3 to 8.0 children per women. Therefore this is one of
the main forces behind the population growth rate and the high population of children.

Early marriages, a major factor contributing to high fertility is that majority marrying before
the reach the age of 18 years. Hence they tend to have a long production period in which
they give birth to many children.

The level of education, correlations have been shown to exist not only in Kabalagala but also
in other villages of Kampala between the duration and the education and size of the family.
A number of studies show that the more advanced the level of educationai family attainment
of parents the smaller the number of children per family.

The low levels of income, the poorest people, possessing little also have limited ambitious
and are typified by high birth rates. In contrast the middle classes, although having only
modes means, have the greatest material aspiration and are frequently motivated by the social
pressures which characterize modem societies. Its mainly this social class which generally
has the lowest levels of fertility.

Also some religion such as the catholic religion encourages family development and the
opposed to birth control, sterilization and abortion, Muslim religion on the other hand where

28
the religious dogma if marrymg many wives remams unquestioned are generally
characterized by high birth rates, hence leading to increased population growth rates.

Lack of family planning education and facilities among the people dwelling in Kabalagala.
People look as contraceptives with high suspicion that they can not prevent them from having
children in the future. This have been attributed to factors such as; religion, lack of
knowledge (low levels of education), inconvenient to use opposed, reduce risk of pregnancy,
limited access or high cost at others. The factors have been analyzed as below.

The following factors were observed to have an influence in the population growth of
Kabalagala.
Firstly the location and establishment of Kampala International University has also
tremendously influenced the growing of population in Kabalagala. This is because the
establishment has attracted many business men to conduct transactions with students. Also
large number of Kampala International students lives in Kabalagala. However, it so happens
that after their studies majority don't go back to their home places hence accelerating the
population in Kabalagala.

Also the location of Kabalagala town itself has contributed to the increasing population in
one way or the other. Being new to the central business district (CBD). Many workers prefer
to stay in Kabalagala town since its cheap and more convenient to commit to their work
places. Besides, the area is also attractive for small business like hawking, road side vending
and for the tied shops. Hence this has attacked many people to Kabalagala town to transact
business

4.3.1 An observation on the effects of population increase in Kabalagala town

The acceleration of population growth that results in declining death rate and increase I birth
rates has great implication on the existing natural resources of Uganda. The reduction in
infant mortality requires that, the production of goods and services be expanded at a factor
rate if Uganda is to progress towards a satisfactory ofliving.

29
 The social-economic implication of a rapidly growing population can be viewed in terms
of:-
The population pressure created on the land in the problem of rapid population growth is
seen not in term of pressure on land, but rather in terms of the land ownership systems and
law of family implicate and improved farming techniques to exploit the available land. This
automaticaII y means that land can not be utilized to the required scale in order to keep in step
with population growth rate.

The creation of a problem of high dependence (land) ratio. There are more than working
class. The high birth rate and declining death rate have resulted into an age structure where.
More than a half of the total population of Uganda is composed of children. However, this
has meant the following implication:-
Few working people automatically shoulder the burden of having to feed and
cloths a large group of inactive persons.
There are low levels of saving since the marginal propensity of consume is
relatively high.
Majority of children have failed to go to schools due to lack of fees and other
educational facilities.

The government incurs high expenses. It tries to supply/ provide some assistance to the
people in term of medication, water e.t.c

Unemployment has become very severe. This is because the rapidly growing population
doest not match with rate of industrial expansion and growing market. As such, there is urban
unemployment. There is little offer in place to improve on the agricultural sector where over
80% of Ugandan as employed. Resources are largely unexplained because oflack of capital,
skills and initiative.
The nature of education provided in Uganda to some extent is responsible for the high rate of
unemployment in Kabalagala and Kansanga respectively in particular and Kampala in
general.
This is because it produces white collar jobs seekers than job creators

30
There's also a high neglioble rate of industrial growth, yet in other countries industries are
the leading sources of employment to the majority of the people.

There has been a problem of poor housing facilities in Kabaiagala, Kibuli, Kansanga parts ,
Nabutiti in particulars and Kampala in general. This has resulted into the development of
slum in the region. (See the slums ofKabalagala, Kikubamutwe zone)

High cnme rate, this has been as a result of unemployment, and drug abuse people of
Kabalagala, has resorted to robbery and thingery as means of survival.

Mushrooming up of illegal activities m the area. Such activities include; gambling,

prostitution e.t.c. given the acute lack of employment, the youth in areas of Kabalagala,
Kansanga, and corundum's have resorted to gambling, prostitution to generate income for
their survival. This has accelerated the spread of diseases such as AIDS.

Diseases such as cholera, diarrhea e.t.c have always striken the region (Kabalagala, Kansanga
and the surroundings). This has resulted into of lives. This has however, been a result of
poor hygiene created by recklace dumping of garbage.

The increasing population growth rate of Kabalagala has resulted into over crowding of the
place by the large number of people.

There is generally moral decay among the youths. The letter no longer respects their elders
and this has of recent become a concern to the existing central government and parents
themselves.

High cost of living. Food is very expensive; this is because the rate of population increase
does not march with food production in the surrounding areas and ever from far areas

3i
There has been over straining of the existing infrastructure e.g health units, school
recreational facilities e.t.c .this has resulted into these becoming very expensive and therefore
managed by a few well-to-do.

4.3 Effects of population increase in an observation

An observation
The acceleration of population growth that results from declining death rate and increase in
birth has great implication on the existing natural resources of Uganda. The reduction in
infant mortality requires that, the production of goods and services be explained at a faster
rate if Uganda is to progress towards satisfactory level ofliving.

The following are the observed repercussions of growing population in Kabalagala

(1) Majority of children have failed to go to school
(2) Problem of poor housing
(3) Diseases such as cholera
(4) Over crowding
(5) High dependence level

4.3.1 Respondents views on the effect

(I) Moral decay
(2) High cost ofliving
(3) High crime rate
(4) Unemployment has become very severe
(5) The government incurs high expenses as it tries to supply services to the local people.

32
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction
This chapter gives a summary of findings, conclusion of the research and recommendation to
various stakeholders.

5.1 Summary of findings

In summary, this research was carried in Kabalagala town between February and June 2009.
it was guided by the following research questions.

Research question one was, which factors have led to increased population growth rate in
your area? This question was answered by the residents and the following factors were
advanced; poor family planning and early marriages, religious beliefs, cultural beliefs (value
attached to children in the African context of view), migration of people from rural areas to
urban centres, among others. However, the following factors were observed by the
researcher, strategic location of Kabalagala town, the location and estabiishment of Kampala
International University.

The second question was about the way through which an expanding population growth has
affected Kabalagala town, and the following are the ways through which the population
growth has affected Kabalagala town both negative and positives.

Positively, population growth has expanded the market ( aggregate demand), i9ncreased
labour force, among others

Negatively population growth in Kabalagala town has led to the following, high crime rates
poor housing facilities, moral decay, high cost ofliving and many others.

33
The other question was about whether the government has also influenced population
growth, this was answered by the ordinary people and majority were not that sure, although a
few individuals pointed out that the government has influenced population growth. This is
because in many circumstances the government has failed to sensitize the masses about the
effect of population and proper use of family planning. However, some respondents
contented that the Buganda government has also influenced population growth as it has
advocated people to bear as many children as they can through the media (central boad
casting radio)

The research also established that majority of the population residing in Kabalagala were
below the age of 24 and those between 25 and 34 years. There is a high number of children
below 15 years. Thus there is a high dependence level. There are a few individuals in the age
group between 45-60+ this reveals that there is a low life expectancy in Kabalagala town in
particular and Uganda in general.

Lastly, this study found out that the following family planning measures have been adopted
to regulate the population, these include among others, use of condemns, pill plans, injections
plans and others.

5.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the study found out that the increasing population growth in Kabalagala town
has been as a result of a combination of factors as discussed in chapter four. However, this
has affected the development of Kabalagala town in a number of ways both positively ad
negatively. The research also found out that there is limited use of birth control measures by
the population ofKabalagala.

34
5.3 Recommendations
Following the findings from the investigation carried out among the people in Kabalagala
and the surroundings area, I would like to recommends the following to different stake
holders/ parties all together.

Firstly, I would like to recommend that the central government through its ministers that is
the ministry of population and statistics in conjunction with the ministry of health ...... the
general public about the dangers of a high growing population like the case in Kabalagala its
vicinity.

Also I would like to suggest to the central government to reduce and adopt multi round
survey type of choices where it keeps on updating to the statistics regarding, population
demography. This avails information about changes I the population such that rates planning
the growing population is done to avoid the problems created by over population

Solution to the population problems in Kabalagala and surroundings

Adoption of family planning methods the among the individual benefits of family planning
include~
Controlling the population in relation to the available resources.

Parents are able to space out their children taking into account their available
resources and the health of the mothers of children.
It helps parents to avoid un wanted pregnancies

However, all these can be achieved through the use of contraceptives like pills, injections,
condoms, safe days among other family planning methods.

Enforcing the girl child education, this will keep girls in schools and by 20 beings the
early marriage will be controlled

35
Setting a limit on the rural-urban migration- such that the rural popuiation stopped from
migrating to the urban centres any how.

Creation of employment opportunities, this can be achieved through; go back to land

policy, stabilizing prices for agricultural products, setting up attractive prices for farmers,
modernization and mechanization of agriculture and setting up industries to create more
jobs for the youth. Provision of jobs will keep the population busy hence less time will
be spread on child bearing.

36
 REFERENCES

Byanugisha C. Bweebare (2000): Physical and Human Geography of East Africa Revised
Edition.

C.A World Fork book (2008) ///d:/Uganda % 20 population% 20 growth% 20 rate% 2.

USAID (2009) ///D:/USAID%20uganda.htm.

ML Jhingan (1998) The Economic Development Planning. 31 st Revised and Enlarged

Edition. Vrinda publications (P) LTD

Byamugisha C. Bweebare (2001) Human and Economic Geography of Uganda

http://www.global.umich.edu/global.change2/current/lecturers/humanpop/humanpop.htm1,

Byamugisha C. Bwebare (1994). A geography of Uganda, an 'A' level geography approach

with field work Kampala-Uganda.

37
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Questionnaire for men

Dear respondents, I am carrying out a research on the topic, factors and effects underlying
increased population growth rates in Kabalagala. A case study of Kabalagala Makindye
division. The purpose of this study is to find out the factors accounting for the increased
population growth rate and its effects in Kabalagala in particular and Kampala city in
general.

Your responses will be treated with confidentiality and data obtained 1s strictly for
educational purposes.

Background characteristics of respondents which has a bearing

Part 1
Tick the most appropriate box
1. Age
(a) Below 25 years D (b) 25-34 years D (c) 35-44 years D
(d) 45-60+ years D

2. Sex
(a)Male D (b) female D

3. Marital status
(a) Single D (b) Married □ (c) Widow □ (d)Widows □

4. Educational level

I
(a) Primary level D (b) Secondary level D (c) Diploma D (d) Graduate D

5. What is your occupation?

(a) Not working D (b) Civil servant D

38
(c) Shop attendant D (d) Business man D
II
I•
~

t
I
z

I
•Ii
6. Do you have a family?
(a)Yes D (b) No □

7. How many wives do you have? If yes,

(a) Ont=! (b) Two □ (c) More than one D

8. How many children do you have from each wife? If more than one.
(a) Two D (b) Four (c) Six D (d) More than that D
0

Effects of population increase

Part 2
1. How many are you in the family?

2. Do you all get what to eat?

3. Has your government done any thing to controi population growth?

4. How dangerous is the high population growth to your area?

5. What do you think the government should do to help you?

39
Questionnaire for women

Dear respondents, I am carrying out a research on the topic, factors and effects underlying
increased population growth rates in Kampala A case study of Kabalagala Makindye
division. The purpose of this study is to find out the factors accounting for the increased
population growth rate and its effects in Kabalagala in particular and Kampala city in
general.

Your responses will be treated with confidentiaiity and data obtained is strictly for
educational purposes.

Part 1
Tick the most appropriate box
1. Age
(a) Below 25 years D (b) 25-34 years D (c) 35-44 years D
(d) 45-60+ years D

2. Gender
Male D female D

3. Marital status
(a) Single CJ (b) Married D (c) Widow D (d)Widows D

4. Educational level
(a) Primary level D (b) Secondary level D (c) Diploma D (d) Graduatc:::]

5. What is your occupation?

(a) Not working □ (b) Civil servant □ (c) Shop attendant D (d) Business
woman D

40
6. Do you have a family?
(a)Yes D (b)No D

7. Is your husband a polygamist?

(a)Yes □ (b)No D (c) Not sure □

8. How many children do you have

(a) Two □ (b) Four □ (c) Six D (d) More than six D

9. Why that number?

10. What problem has your family encounter as a result of hiving a large number of children?

11. What measure can be adopted to reverse the population growth rate in your area?

12. How has your government participated in controlling high population growth?

41
13. Is it dangerous to have a large population?

42
Questionnaire for students

Dear students I am carrying out a research on the topic, factors and effects underlying
increased population growth rates in Kampala A case study of Kabalagala Makindye
division. The purpose of this study is to establish factors responsible for the increased
population growth and its effects.

Your responses will be treated with confidentiality and data gathered is strictly for
educational purposes.

Part 1
Tick the most appropriate box
1. Age
(a) Below 14 years D (b) 15-19 years D (c) 19+ years □

2. Gender
(a)Male D (b) Female D

3. Institute of Educational
(a) Primary level D (b) Secondary level D (c) College D (d) University D

4. How many are you in your family

(a) Two children D (b) Four children D ( c) Six children D (d) More than six c=J

5. How has the size of the family affected you and your students?

43
6. Why is your region having a high population?

7. What costs has your community encountered as a result of increased population growth?

8. Suggest measures that can be adopted to control population growth in your area?

9. What has your government done to reverse the population trend of your country?

44
A MAP SHOWING MAKINDYE "A" DIVISION, KAMPALA DISTRICT

Lei;iend
\ •,:,r, 1d .\tP) :, { 1 f;'II ..:. \tt•'.:'

f I ;:...Y17
L-·-·-l
:::s:...::D
~
~ ·'•'•·. I • ·.. ·•

~
li';ci?!-i.hl:i
;·2•·'~'. '·•"" \
__ J

Source: Byamugisha C. Bweebare (2000) pg 113

45